Method for processing fracture surface of ductile metal component, device for processing fracture surface, and method for manufacturing ductile metal component

ABSTRACT

A method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component by processing fracture surfaces ( 51   a  and  52   a ) of fracture components ( 51  and  52 ) into which the ductile metal component ( 50 ) is divided by fracturing the ductile metal component ( 50 ) in a fracture direction includes: a holding step of holding the fracture components in a state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other; a vibration step of imparting predetermined vibration to at least either one of the fracture components being held in the holding step in a direction intersecting the fracture direction; a pressing step of pressing the fracture surfaces of the fracture components against each other by a specified pressing force in a state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step; and a separation step of separating the fracture surfaces of the fracture components from each other after the pressing step in the state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for processing fracture surfaces generated by subjecting, for example, a ductile metal component such as a connecting rod to tensile fracture, a device for processing fracture surfaces, and a method for manufacturing a ductile metal component.

BACKGROUND ART

In some cases, a ductile metal component is subjected to tensile fracture and half-fractured components are paired again to be used as one product. As one example of such a component, a connecting rod known as an automobile component is cited. There are available a method in which a large end portion of the connecting rod is halved into a rod portion and a cap portion and the so-called FS (Fracture Splitting) method. In one example of this FS method, a wedge is pressed against a mandrel, thereby pressurizing the mandrel and thereafter, a dynamic load is exerted thereon, thereby fracturing the connecting rod.

Furthermore, a method for processing fracture surfaces of the connecting rod fractured as described above is also known. Specifically, for example, members such as a connecting rod, a bearing, and an annular housing are divided by fracture, a method for processing fracture surfaces in which material particles (fracture powder) are removed from fracture surfaces is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-219165

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in order to remove the fracture powder from the fracture surfaces, a period of time and the number of times, which are required for a vibration step of imparting vibration to the connecting rod and an air blow step of blowing air to the fracture surfaces, are large, thereby leading to room for further improvement.

Objects of the present invention are to provide a method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component, in which fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces of the fractured ductile metal components is efficiently peeled and removed, a fracture surface processing device therefor, and a method for manufacturing a ductile metal component.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, an aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component by processing fracture surfaces of fracture components into which the ductile metal component is divided by fracturing the ductile metal component in a fracture direction, the method including: a holding step of holding the fracture components in a state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other; a vibration step of imparting predetermined vibration to at least either one of the fracture components being held in the holding step in a direction intersecting the fracture direction; a pressing step of pressing the fracture surfaces of the fracture components against each other by a specified pressing force in a state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step; and a separation step of separating the fracture surfaces of the fracture components from each other after the pressing step in the state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step.

As described above, in the pressing step and the separation step, the predetermined vibration is imparted by the vibration step, and in the pressing step, the vibration is thereby imparted in the state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are pressed against each other and minute vibration is generated between the fracture surfaces, thereby favorably peeling the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces from the fracture surfaces, and in the separation step, the vibration is thereby imparted in the state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other, thereby shaking off the fracture powder favorably peeled from the fracture surfaces in the pressing step. In other words, it is made possible to peel and remove the fracture powder from the fracture surfaces in both the pressing step and the separation step.

Consequently, the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces of the fractured ductile metal component can be efficiently peeled and removed by the method for processing the fracture surfaces.

As other aspect, the vibration in the vibration step is imparted in a direction along each of the fracture surfaces.

As described above, the fracture surfaces to which the fracture powder adheres are vibrated in the direction along each of the fracture surfaces, the vibration is thereby imparted to the fracture powder, which tends to adhere to the fracture surfaces in such a way as to protrude in a direction vertical to the fracture surfaces, in a direction vertical to the protruding direction, thereby allowing the fracture powder to be efficiently peeled and removed.

As other aspect, after a prescribed time has elapsed in the pressing step, the separation step is conducted in the state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step.

As described above, the pressing by the pressing step is conducted for the prescribed time, thereby allowing the fracture powder to be further favorably peeled from the fracture surfaces.

As other aspect, an air blowing step of blowing air to at least either one of the fracture surfaces after the separation step is included.

As described above, the air blowing step in which the air is blown to at least either one of the fracture surfaces is added after the separation step, thereby allowing the fracture powder, which is not removed even by the vibration step and the like, to be favorably removed.

As other aspect, the vibration step is conducted also in the air blowing step.

As described above, the vibration step is conducted also in the air blowing step, and the air blowing step and the vibration step are conducted in combination, thereby allowing the fracture powder to be further favorably peeled and removed.

As other aspect, the pressing step and the separation step are conducted a plurality of times.

Thus, the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces can be further favorably peeled and removed. In particular, since the above-mentioned pressing step and separation step are conducted once, thereby allowing the fracture powder to be favorably dropped, even when the pressing step and the separation step are conducted the plurality of times, it is made possible to conduct the pressing step and the separation step for a short period of time and at a small number of times.

As other aspect, a vibration stop step of stopping the vibration by the vibration step after the separation step is included.

As described above, the vibration stop step is conducted after the separation step, the vibration is thereby stopped after the divided fracture components are separated from each other. In other words, it is made possible to continue the vibration by the vibration step until the fracture components are separated from each other.

As other aspect, a holding release step of releasing holding of the fracture components by the holding step after the vibration stop step is included.

As described above, the holding release step is conducted after the vibration stop step, and it is thereby made possible to conduct the vibration step until the holding release step, that is, until all of the steps are finished.

In addition, a method for manufacturing a ductile metal component includes: a fracture step of fracturing the ductile metal component in a fracture direction and forming fracture components; and a fracture surface processing step of processing fracture surfaces of the fracture components being formed in the fracture step by the above-described method for processing fracture surfaces.

As described above, after forming the fracture components by the fracture step, the fracture surface processing step, in which the processing is conducted by the above-described method for processing the fracture surfaces, is included, thereby making it possible to peel and remove, by the fracture surface processing step, the fracture powder adhering the fracture surfaces upon forming the fracture components by the fracture step.

In addition, a fracture surface processing device according to the present invention is a fracture surface processing device for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component by processing fracture surfaces of fracture components into which the ductile metal component is divided by fracturing the ductile metal component in a fracture direction, the device including: a holding means holding the fracture components in a state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other; a vibration means imparting predetermined vibration to at least either one of the fracture components being held by the holding means in a direction intersecting the fracture direction; a pressing means pressing the fracture surfaces of the fracture components being held by the holding means against each other by a specified pressing force; a separating means separating the fracture surfaces of the fracture components being held by the holding means from each other after pressing by the pressing means; and a control means actuating the vibration means during operation of the pressing means and the separating means.

As described above, during the operation of the pressing means and the separating means, the vibration means is actuated, during the operation of the pressing means, the vibration is thereby imparted in the state in which the fracture surface of the fracture components are pressed against each other, and minute vibration is generated between the fracture surfaces, thereby favorably peeling the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces from the fracture surfaces; and during the operation of the separating means, the vibration is imparted in the state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other, thereby shaking off the fracture powder favorably peeled from the fracture surfaces in the pressing step. In other words, it is made possible to favorably peel and remove the fracture powder from the fracture surfaces during the operation of the pressing means and the separating means.

As other aspect, a surface matching means matching the fracture surfaces with each other without displacement upon pressing, by the pressing means, the fracture surfaces of the fracture components being held by the holding means against each other by the specified pressing force is further included.

As described above, the fracture surfaces having unique fracture surface shapes formed upon fracturing and dividing the ductile metal component are matched with each other without displacement, that is, unique projections and depressions of the fracture surfaces are accurately matched with each other, thereby making it possible to impart minute vibration to the fracture surfaces by the pressing means and the vibration means in a state in which the fracture surfaces closely adhere to each other without gaps and to further adequately peel and remove the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, in the method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component, the fracture surface processing device, and the method for manufacturing a ductile metal component, in the pressing step and the separation step, the vibration is imparted by the vibration step, thereby imparting the vibration thereto in the pressing step in the state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are pressed against each other, and the minute vibration is generated between the fracture surfaces, thereby favorably peeling the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces from the fracture surfaces; and in the separation step, the vibration is imparted in the state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other, thereby shaking off the fracture powder favorably peeled from the fracture surfaces in the pressing step. In other words, in both the pressing step and the separation step, the fracture powder can be peeled and removed from the fracture surfaces.

Thus, the fracture powder adhering to the fracture surfaces of the fractured ductile metal component can be efficiently peeled and removed by the method for processing the fracture surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fracture surface processing device for a ductile metal component, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a connecting rod and an air nozzle.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine of control procedures which a controller executes.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a fracture surface processing device for a ductile metal component, according to a second embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a fracture surface processing device for a ductile metal component and a method for processing fracture surfaces according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Note that a fracture surface processing device 1 for a ductile metal component, according to each of the present embodiments, is a connecting rod fracture device for fracturing a connecting rod which is one of ductile metal components and is used for an automobile and is a device for peeling and removing fracture powder adhering to fracture surfaces of the connecting rod.

First Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1, a configuration diagram of a fracture surface processing device 1 for a ductile metal component, according to a first embodiment, is shown. This fracture surface processing device 1 is installed between a lower base (holding means) 100 and an upper base 110 which are located at a fixed interval and are configured by support stays, not shown, as rigid bodies.

The lower base 100 is provided with a fracture powder receptacle part 109 for receiving fracture powder 59 which is removed from a connecting rod (ductile metal component) 50 by the fracture surface processing device 1. On an upper surface of the lower base 100, a rod side positioning spacer (holding means) 101 for positioning the fractured connecting rod 50, a fracture surface separating part (holding means, separating means) 102, and a small end pin (holding means) 105 which is fitted to a small end part 55 of the connecting rod 50 and restrains the small end part 55.

On an upper surface of the fracture surface separating part 102, a fracture surface pressing part (holding means, pressing means) 103 is placed. The fracture surface pressing part 103, together with the later-described inner diameter centering chuck (surface matching means) 106, is supported by a supporting frame, not shown. With a cap side large end part 52 of the fractured connecting rod 50 placed on the fracture surface separating part 102, the fracture surface separating part 102 and the fracture surface pressing part 103 move, whereby the cap side large end part 52 of the fractured connecting rod 50 moves in a direction (fracture direction) in which a rod side large end part 51 and a cap side large end part 52 are separated from each other or approach each other and is thereby positioned.

The upper base 110 includes a vibration imparting part 120. The vibration imparting part 120 includes a clamper cylinder 121, a damper 122, a clamper (holding means) 123, and a vibration actuator (vibration means) 124. The clamper 123 is installed in such a way as to be suspended via the clamper cylinder 121 and the damper 122 from the upper base 110. In addition, on an upper portion of the clamper 123, the vibration actuator 124 is installed.

As the clamper cylinder 121, an air cylinder is used. Note that the clamper cylinder 121 is not limited to the air cylinder and may be a hydraulic cylinder.

Inside the damper 122, a coil spring 122 a is incorporated. The reason why the damper 122 is interposed between the clamper 123 and the clamper cylinder 121 is that such a spring element is interposed, thereby allowing vibration to be efficiently transmitted to the clamper 123, inhibiting propagation of the vibration to the other components such as the clamper cylinder 121, which actuates the clamper 123, and preventing any trouble caused by imparting the vibration. Accordingly, if the above-mentioned problems do not arise, the damper 122 is not necessarily needed.

Thus, when an appropriate pneumatic pressure is supplied to the clamper cylinder 121 and the clamper cylinder 121 is thereby actuated, a downward pressing force is exerted via the damper 122 on the clamper 123. As the vibration actuator 124, for example, a pneumatic air vibrator which is operable to impart vibration (predetermined vibration) of 50 Hz to 100 Hz to the clamper 123 for approximately one second to several seconds is used as one example.

As described above, the clamper 123 is to perform clamping via the spring element such as a spring and an air damper in consideration of vibration propagating properties. The clamper 123 is formed of metal which is excellent in impact resisting performance and has a contour which is shaped in the form of a letter E in side view. The clamper 123 has parts, which are butted against the connecting rod 50, in three portions thereof, which are a first butting part 123 a which is butted against one portion of an upper surface of the cap side large end part 52, a second butting part 123 b which is butted against an upper surface of the rod side large end part 51, and a third butting part 123 c which is butted against an upper surface of the small end part 55.

Thus, the fractured connecting rod 50 is clamped via a rod side positioning spacer 101, the fracture surface pressing part 103, and a small end pin 105 on a side of the lower base 100, and the clamper 123 on a side of the upper base 110, and the fractured connecting rod 50 is held by a pressing force of the clamper cylinder 121 connected to the clamper 123. In addition, with the fractured connecting rod 50 held, the vibration actuator 124 is actuated (vibrated) at appropriate timing.

The vibration from the vibration actuator 124 is exerted via the clamper 123 on a fracture surface 51 a of the connecting rod 50 on the side of the rod side large end part 51 and a fracture surface 52 a on the side of the cap side large end part 52 in a direction along each of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a (a direction intersecting the fracture direction), that is, an upper-lower direction shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the vibration is imparted to the fracture powder 59, which tends to adhere to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a in such a way as to protrude in a direction vertical to each of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, in a direction vertical to the protruding direction, thereby allowing the fracture powder 59 to be peeled and removed.

Here, a pressing force exerted on the connecting rod 50 by the clamper 123 is appropriately adjusted. In other words, upon imparting the vibration, a slight gap is made between the clamper 123 and the connecting rod 50 and the clamper 123 slightly jumps up, thereby adjusting a clamping force in a loosened manner to an extent which sufficiently propagates the vibration to the connecting rod 50. As a result, by the vibration generated through repeating contacting of the clamper 123 with the connecting rod 50 and separating of the clamper 123 from the connecting rod 50, it is made possible to efficiently remove the fracture powder 59.

With reference to FIG. 2, a top view illustrating the connecting rod 50 and an air nozzle 125 is shown. In the fracture surface processing device 1, the air nozzle 125 which blows an air flow to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a is disposed in the vicinity of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the connecting rod 50. Connected to the air nozzle 125 is an air pump 126. The air pump 126 is electrically connected to the later-described controller (control means) 60, and the air pump 126 is actuated by the controller 60, thereby allowing air to be blown via the air nozzle 125 (air blowing).

In other words, an adhesion force of the fracture powder 59 whose one part is peeled off from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a and whose remaining one part adheres thereto is loosened by imparting of the vibration in a direction in parallel with the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, and even when the fracture powder 59 cannot be removed only by the vibration of the vibration actuator 124, the fracture powder 59 can be removed by an air blow. In addition, an inner diameter centering chuck 106 has two chuck pads 107 via supporting shafts.

The two chuck pads 107 are disposed inside the large end portion of the fractured connecting rod 50. The inner diameter centering chuck 106 serves as a surface matching mechanism such that the two chuck pads 107 are separated from each other and fractured portions on inner peripheral surfaces of the large end portion of the connecting rod 50 are pressed against each other in directions indicated by arrows shown in FIG. 2 from sides of the inner peripheral surfaces, thereby matching the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a with each other without displacement for surface matching.

In other words, the inner diameter centering chuck 106 helps with pressing of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the fractured connecting rod 50 in an optimum state by the fracture surface pressing part 103. Note that in FIG. 1, illustration of the air nozzle 125, the air pump 126, and the inner diameter centering chuck 106 is omitted.

The controller 60 is a controller for comprehensively controlling the fracture surface processing device 1 and is configured to include an input and output device, storage devices (a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile RAM, and the like), a central processing unit (CPU), and the like. In addition, the controller 60 is electrically connected to respective actuators, not shown, which move the fracture surface separating part 102, the fracture surface pressing part 103, and the chuck pads 107 of the inner diameter centering chuck 106, to the vibration actuator 124, and to the air pump 126.

In other words, the fracture surface separating part 102 is moved along the fracture direction by operation of the actuator, thereby moving the cap side large end part along the fracture direction such that the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a are separated from each other. In addition, the fracture surface pressing part 103 is moved along the fracture direction by operation of the actuator, thereby moving the cap side large end part along the fracture direction such that the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a contact each other.

In addition, the chuck pads 107 of the inner diameter centering chuck 106 are moved along the fracture direction by operation of actuators, thereby moving the cap side large end part 52 such that the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are matched with each other without displacement. In addition, the vibration actuator 124 is actuated, thereby causing the connecting rod 50 to be vibrated via the clamper 123, and the air pump 126 is actuated, thereby blowing the air to the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a.

With reference to FIG. 3, a flowchart of a routine of control procedures executed by the controller 60 is shown. Hereinafter, one example and working of a method for processing the fracture surfaces of the connecting rod 50 using the fracture surface processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, in a fracture step of step S1, the connecting rod 50 is fractured by a connecting rod fracture device (not shown). This fracture device for the connecting rod 50 divides a large end portion of the connecting rod 50 into two parts which are the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52. In the method, for example, a cutout is formed in a position where the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a on the inner peripheral surfaces in an opening of the large end portion of the connecting rod 50 are to be formed, and half-divided-shaped mandrels are inserted into the above-mentioned opening.

Next, a wedge is driven in a gap between the respective mandrels, thereby pressing each of the respective mandrels toward a cap side or a rod side (fracture direction). Thus, a crack is formed from the above-mentioned cutout, and the large end portion of the connecting rod 50 is fractured in a manner pulled in the fracture direction and is divided into the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52, thereby forming the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a. Note that a configuration of the fracture device for the connecting rod 50 and a method for fracturing the connecting rod 50 are not limited to the above-described configuration and method. A columnar mandrel may be forcibly inserted into the opening of the large end portion of the connecting rod 50, thereby dividing the large end portion of the connecting rod 50 into the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 and forming the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a.

Subsequently, in a holding step of step S2, the connecting rod 50 fractured by the fracture device for the connecting rod 50 is conveyed from this fracture device to the lower base 100 of the fracture surface processing device 1 and is positioned and held on the lower base 100. Upon this positioning and holding, the small end part 55 of the connecting rod 50 is fitted into the small end pin 105 and the rod side large end part 51 of the fractured connecting rod 50 is placed on the rod side positioning spacer 101.

In addition, the fracture surface separating part 102 is moved, thereby positioning the cap side large end part 52 of the fractured connecting rod 50 in a state in which the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 are separated from each other at only a fixed interval. In addition, the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 of the connecting rod 50 are restrained by the inner diameter centering chuck 106 in a state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are matched with each other without displacement. The connecting rod 50 is positioned and restrained as described above, thereby positioning and holding the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a in a state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a face each other and are separated from each other.

Thereafter, the clamper cylinder 121 is operated downward in FIG. 1, thereby moving the damper 122, the clamper 123, and the vibration actuator 124 in a downward direction. Thus, the clamper 123 clamps the connecting rod 50 via the damper 122 by a previously adjusted clamping force.

Subsequently, in a vibration step of step S3, for example, if the vibration actuator 124 is constituted of an air vibrator or the like, air is supplied to the air vibrator, thereby bringing the vibration actuator 124 into vibration motion. In this vibration motion, as the number of vibrations, vibration of for example, approximately 50 Hz to 100 Hz is imparted. Thus, the vibration is propagated to the connecting rod 50.

At this time, upon imparting the vibration, the clamper 123 slightly jumps up and a clamping force is adjusted in a loosened manner to an extent which allows a slight gap between the clamper 123 and the connecting rod 50 to be formed, thereby propagating the vibration to the connecting rod 50. By the vibration generated through repeating contacting of the clamper 123 with the connecting rod 50 and separating of the clamper 123 from the connecting rod 50, the fracture powder 59 is efficiently removed from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a. Note that this vibration step (step S3) is continued until the later-described vibration stop step (step S8).

Subsequently, in a pressing step of step S4, the fracture surface pressing part 103 moves the cap side large end part 52 toward the rod side large end part 51, the cap side large end part 52 contacts the rod side large end part 51, and the cap side large end part 52 and the rod side large end part 51 are pressed against each other by a specified pressing force.

In step S5, it is determined whether or not a time which has elapsed from the start of the pressing step of step S4 exceeds a prescribed time. When it is determined that the time does not exceed the prescribed time, the routine shifts to step S4, the pressing step is conducted, and the determination in step S5 is made. In addition, when it is determined that the time has exceeded the prescribed time, the routine shifts to a separation step of step S6. In other words, in step S5, the pressing step is continued until the time which has elapsed from the start of the pressing step exceeds the prescribed time.

At this time, since the vibration is imparted while the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a are being pressed against each other, minute vibration is transmitted between the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, thereby peeling the fracture powder 59 adhering to the surfaces. In particular, when the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a contact each other, since contacting of the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a is made while the vibration is imparted by the vibration step (step S3), friction is caused between the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a due to the minute vibration, thereby favorably peeling the fracture powder 59.

More specifically, in the holding step of step S2, the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are matched with each other without displacement, whereby when in the pressing step, the connecting rod 50 is fractured and divided, unique projections and depressions of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, which are generated on the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, that is, fine splits (surface damage) of fractured and newly formed surfaces can be engaged with one another.

Minute up-down vibration (vertical vibration) is imparted to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a in a state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a closely adhere to each other without gaps and the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are fitted to each other, thereby repeating minute contacting and separating of the fine splits between the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a. Thus, in the later-described separation step and air blowing step, the fine splits formed on the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are favorably dropped off and peeled from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, and the minute fracture powder 59 adhering to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a is favorably dropped off and removed from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a.

Subsequently, in the separation step of step S6, the fracture surface separating part 102 moves the cap side large end part 52 by an actuator, nor shown, or the like in a direction in which the cap side large end part 52 is separated from the rod side large end part 51.

At this time, since the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a are separated from each other while the vibration is being imparted thereto, the friction is generated between the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a due to the minute vibration immediately before the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are completely separated from each other, thereby more favorably peeling the fracture powder 59. In addition, the vibration is imparted by the vibration step even after the fracture surface 51 a and the fracture surface 52 a are completely separated from each other, thereby allowing the fracture powder 59 adhering thereto even after peeling thereof from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a to be shaken off and removed.

Subsequently, in the air blowing step of step S7, the air pump 126 blows an air flow to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a via the air nozzle 125. At this time, the fracture powder 59 which is not removed in the steps up to and including the separation step of step S6 is removed.

Thereafter, the vibration by the vibration actuator 124, which is continued from the vibration step of step S3, is finished by a vibration stop step of step S8. Holding of the connecting rod 50, which is continued from the holding step of step S2, is finished by a holding release step of step S9.

As described above, the method for processing the fracture surface of the ductile metal component according to the present invention is the method for processing the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the connecting rod 50 by fracturing the connecting rod 50 in the fracture direction into the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51, the method including: the holding step (step S2) of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 in the state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 are separated from each other; the vibration step (step S3) of imparting the predetermined vibration to at least either one of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 held in the holding step in the direction along each of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a; the pressing step (step S4) of pressing the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 against each other by the specified pressing force for the prescribed time in the state in which the vibration is imparted thereto by the vibration step; and the separation step (step S6) of separating the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 from each other in the state in which the vibration is imparted thereto by the vibration step after the pressing step.

Accordingly, since in the pressing step and the separation step, the vibration is imparted by the vibration step, the vibration is imparted in the pressing step in the state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are pressed against each other, thereby favorably peeling the fracture powder 59 adhering to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a by the mutual friction of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, and the vibration is imparted in the separation step in the state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are separated from each other, thereby shaking off and removing the fracture powder 59 favorably peeled from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a in the pressing step.

In other words, only by conducting both the pressing step and the separation step once, the fracture powder 59 can be favorably peeled and removed from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a. Consequently, the fracture powder 59 adhering to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the fractured connecting rod 50 can be efficiently peeled and favorably removed by the method for processing the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a.

The vibration step is conducted also in the air blowing step. Accordingly, the air blowing step and the vibration step are conducted in combination, thereby allowing the fracture powder 59 to be favorably peeled and removed.

Since the vibration stop step is conducted after the separation step, the vibration is stopped after the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 is separated from each other, that is, the vibration by the vibration step can be continued until the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 are separated from each other.

The holding release step of releasing holding of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 by the holding step after the vibration stop step is included. Accordingly, since the holding release step is conducted after the vibration stop step, the vibration step can be conducted until the holding release step, that is, until all of the steps are finished.

The fracture surface processing device 1 for the connecting rod 50 processes the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 into which the connecting rod 50 is fractured in the fracture direction, the fracture surface processing device 1 including: the lower base 100 and the clamper 123 which hold the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 in the state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 are separated from each other; the vibration actuator 124 which imparts the predetermined vibration to at least either one of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 held by the lower base 100 and the clamper 123 in the direction intersecting the fracture direction; the fracture surface pressing part 103 which presses the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 held by the lower base 100 and the clamper 123 against each other by the specified pressing force; the fracture surface separating part 102 which separates the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 held by the lower base 100 and the clamper 123 from each other after pressing by the fracture surface pressing part 103; and the controller 60 which actuates the vibration actuator 124 during pressing operation by the fracture surface pressing part 103 and during separation operation by the fracture surface separating part 102.

Accordingly, since during the operation of the fracture surface pressing part 103 and the fracture surface separating part 102, the vibration actuator 124 is actuated, during the operation of the fracture surface pressing part 103, the vibration is imparted in the state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 are pressed against each other and the minute vibration is generated between the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, thereby favorably peeling the fracture powder 59 adhering to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, and during the operation of the fracture surface separating part 102, the vibration is imparted in the state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a of the rod side large end part 51 and the cap side large end part 52 are separated from each other, thereby shaking off and removing the fracture powder 59 favorably peeled from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a in the pressing step. In other words, during the operation of the fracture surface pressing part 103 and the fracture surface separating part 102, the fracture powder 59 can be favorably peeled and removed from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a second embodiment will be described. Note that components in common with those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and the description therefor is omitted, and parts which are different from those in the first embodiment will be described here.

With reference to FIG. 4, a configuration diagram illustrating a fracture surface processing device 201 for a ductile metal component, according to the second embodiment, is shown.

In the fracture surface processing device 201, a movable lower base 200 is disposed above a lower base 210. The movable lower base 200 is provided with a lower vibration imparting part 220. The lower vibration imparting part 220 includes a palette (holding means) 206, a movable mount 209, two dampers 222, a palette cylinder 221, and a vibration actuator (vibration means) 224.

The palette 206 is constituted of a rod side palette 207 and a cap side palette 208. The rod side palette 207 is provided with a rod side positioning spacer 202 for positioning a rod side large end part 51 of a connecting rod 50. The cap side palette 208 is provided with a cap side large end part 52. The movable mount 209 is located below the palette 206 in such a way as to face the palette 206.

The two dampers 222 are formed by downsizing the damper 122 and are located in such a way as to be sandwiched between the palette 206 and the movable mount 209. The palette cylinder 221 is fixed on the lower base 210 and is actuated to be operable to move the movable mount 209 in an upper-lower direction.

The vibration actuator 224 is identical to the vibration actuator 124 and is disposed on a lower surface of the rod side palette 207. In other words, the vibration actuator 224 is actuated, thereby allowing vibration to be imparted to the connecting rod 50 via the palette 206.

Through the above-described configuration, the clamper cylinder 121 and the palette cylinder 221 are actuated, the clamper 123 and the movable mount 209 are moved in the upper-lower direction, and the connecting rod 50 is held in such a way as to be sandwiched therebetween, thereby conducting a holding step of step S2 shown in FIG. 3.

After the holding step, the vibration actuator 224 is actuated, the clamper 123 and the palette 206 are thereby vibrated, and the vibration is transmitted to the connecting rod 50, thereby conducting a vibration step of step S3 shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the clamper 123 is held to the clamper cylinder 121 via the damper 122 and the palette 206 is held to the movable mount 209 via the dampers 222 and 222, thereby imparting the vibration to the connecting rod 50 in the vibration step.

As described above, in the method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component, according to the present invention, as with the case of the first embodiment, since in the pressing step and the separation step, the vibration by the vibration step is imparted in a state in which fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are pressed against each other, thereby favorably peeling fracture powder 59 adhering to the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a by mutual friction of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a, and in the separation step, the vibration is imparted in a state in which the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are separated from each other, thereby shaking off and removing the fracture powder 59 favorably peeled in the pressing step from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the clamper 123 is held to the clamper cylinder 121 via the damper 122 and the palette 206 is held to the movable mount 209 via the dampers 222 and 222, as compared with the case of the first embodiment, further minute vibration can be effectively imparted to the connecting rod 50 in the vibration step. Accordingly, as with the case of the first embodiment, the fracture powder 59 is further favorably peeled and removed from the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a by the mutual friction of the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a.

Hereinabove, the method for processing the fracture surfaces of the ductile metal component, the fracture surface processing device, and the method for manufacturing the ductile metal component, according to the present invention, are described. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although in the present embodiments, the step S4 (pressing step) and the step S6 (separation step) are conducted respectively once, these steps may be conducted a plurality of times. In addition, when these steps are conducted the plurality of times, the step S7 (air blowing step) may be conducted correspondingly the plurality of times.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the vibration is continuously imparted to the connecting rod 50 by the vibration step (step S3) during step S4 to step S7 up to the vibration stop step (step S8). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and imparting of the vibration to the connecting rod 50 may be limited only in the state in which the pressing step, the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are pressed against each other and the state in which in the separation step, the fracture surfaces 51 a and 52 a are separated from each other, and in states other than the above-mentioned states, imparting of the vibration may be stopped.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 Fracture surface processing device     -   50 Connecting rod (Ductile metal component)     -   51 Rod side large end part (Fracture component)     -   51 a, 52 a Fracture surfaces     -   52 Cap side large end part (Fracture component)     -   29 Fracture powder     -   60 Controller (Control means)     -   100 Lower base (Holding means)     -   101 Rod side positioning spacer (Holding means)     -   102 Fracture surface separating part (Holding means, Separating         means)     -   103 Fracture surface pressing part (Holding means, Pressing         means)     -   105 Small end pin (Holding means)     -   106 Inner diameter centering chuck (Surface matching means)     -   123 Clamper (Holding means)     -   124, 224 Vibration actuator (Vibration means)     -   126 Air pump     -   206 Palette (Holding means) 

1. A method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component by processing fracture surfaces of fracture components into which the ductile metal component is divided by fracturing the ductile metal component in a fracture direction, the method comprising: a holding step of holding the fracture components in a state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other; a vibration step of imparting predetermined vibration to at least either one of the fracture components being held in the holding step in a direction intersecting the fracture direction; a pressing step of pressing the fracture surfaces of the fracture components against each other by a specified pressing force in a state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step; and a separation step of separating the fracture surfaces of the fracture components from each other after the pressing step in the state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step.
 2. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 1, wherein the vibration in the vibration step is imparted in a direction along each of the fracture surfaces.
 3. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 1, wherein after a prescribed time has elapsed in the pressing step, the separation step is conducted in the state in which the vibration is imparted by the vibration step.
 4. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 1, the method comprising an air blowing step of blowing air to at least either one of the fracture surfaces after the separation step.
 5. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 4, wherein the vibration step is conducted also in the air blowing step.
 6. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 1, wherein the pressing step and the separation step are conducted a plurality of times.
 7. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 1, the method comprising a vibration stop step of stopping the vibration by the vibration step after the separation step.
 8. The method for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 7, the method comprising a holding release step of releasing holding of the fracture components by the holding step after the vibration stop step.
 9. A method for manufacturing a ductile metal component, the method comprising: a fracture step of fracturing the ductile metal component in a fracture direction and forming fracture components; and a fracture surface processing step of processing fracture surfaces of the fracture components being formed in the fracture step by the method for processing fracture surfaces according to claim
 1. 10. A fracture surface processing device for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component by processing fracture surfaces of fracture components into which the ductile metal component is divided by fracturing the ductile metal component in a fracture direction, the device comprising: a holding means holding the fracture components in a state in which the fracture surfaces of the fracture components are separated from each other; a vibration means imparting predetermined vibration to at least either one of the fracture components being held by the holding means in a direction intersecting the fracture direction; a pressing means pressing the fracture surfaces of the fracture components being held by the holding means against each other by a specified pressing force; a separating means separating the fracture surfaces of the fracture components being held by the holding means from each other after pressing by the pressing means; and a control means actuating the vibration means during operation of the pressing means and the separating means.
 11. The fracture surface processing device for processing fracture surfaces of a ductile metal component according to claim 10, the device further comprising a surface matching means matching the fracture surfaces with each other without displacement upon pressing, by the pressing means, the fracture surfaces of the fracture components being held by the holding means against each other by the specified pressing force. 